Bentley Mulsanne WO Edition Is Steeped In 8 Liters Of Heritage

Only 100 examples will be made in tribute to the company's founder

Bentley is coming up on its centenary year. But before it does, it's looking back on one of its earliest motor cars with the Mulsanne W.O. Edition. Crafted by Bentley's Mulliner customization division, the special Mulsanne draws its name and inspiration from the company's founder and the 8 Liter limousine that was his personal ride and the last he ever designed. The W.O. Edition even includes a piece of the crankshaft from that very car, encased in a marquetry cabinet with machined metal trim in the rear center armrest.

Aside from the showcase, the interior features two-tone leather in Fireglow and patinated Fireglow Heritage, with Beluga hide trim and dark burr walnut veneer. It also comes with a bottle fridge, a set of glass tumblers, rear-seat privacy curtains.

The bodywork is finished in onyx-black paint wth an optional chrome grille and trim strip, though customers can specify theirs in any color Bentley offers, if they so choose. It's also available on the standard Mulsanne, the extended-wheelbase model, or even the Mulsanne Speed. Either way, though, only 100 examples will be made. Look for its debut in Monterey next month, with deliveries set to commence as Bentley kicks off its 100th anniversary next year.

Russian Transforms Mercedes S500 Into Bentley Mulsanne Wannabe

Here's one way to ruin a perfectly good Mercedes S-Class.

Based on the previous-gen (W221) Mercedes-Benz S500, this is a Bentley replica from St Petersburg, Russia, that motor.ru describes as being loosely based on the Mulsanne. We previously questioned the sanity of anyone that was seriously considering spending $50,000 on a Mustang-based Continental GT, and the same goes for this S-Class based Bentley replica. The price listed on Russian used car website auto.ru is a cool 1.7 million Rubles, which Google tells me is the equivalent of just under $29,000 at today’s rates.

With redesigned front and rear ends, the Bentley body kit also includes a new hood and trunk with headlights borrowed from a real Bentley. Logos for the British marque adorn the full-size Merc and can be found in the untouched interior, notably on the steering wheel, while the Winged B hood ornament proudly sits at the front of the car. Power comes from the 2008 Mercedes S500’s 5.5-liter V8, sending 388 horsepower to all four wheels. With 86,500 kilometers on the clock, there’s plenty of life left in this Bentley Benz, which the seller has maintained in “excellent condition” and claims will be good for “skiing tourists and wedding events.”

If you’re into replicas, while the white Bentley isn’t the worst we’ve ever seen, you might want to consider this $13,000 Ferrari F40 or these Bugatti Veyron rip-offs instead. If not, fly to Russia and see if you can strike a deal.

Bentley Mulsanne Grand Convertible Enters Production

Each car will be built to the customer’s specification, so all 19 examples will be truly unique. After dropping its top, you’re presented with the GrandConvertible’s wooden tonneau rear deck made from dark-stained burr walnut,which is the largest piece of wood veneer ever used in a Bentley. Like manyelements of the cabin, it was inspired by luxury power boats. The cabin is as opulentas you would expect: the leather is made up of 14 hides in a diamond quiltingpattern. Contrast stitching matches the exterior color, and contrasting Belugaleather is applied to the tops of the doors. Prices are rumored to start at an eye-watering $3.5 million, but Bentley hasn’t confirmed this.

Mansory Gives The Bentley Mulsanne Some Extra Muscle

But it’s still slower than a Bentley Mulsanne Speed, somehow.

Mansory’s extravagant customization jobs can divide opinions, but its latest creation is surprisingly restrained. After souping up the Bentley Bentayga, the tuner has now given the mighty Mulsanne some extra muscle. The exterior has been enhanced with naked carbon fiber details such as a new front bumper lip spoiler and fog lamps surround. Elsewhere, the luxury limo has been fitted with carbon-fiber side skirts, a subtle trunk lid spoiler, a rear bumper diffuser, and a set of massive 22-inch light forged wheels with “ultra-high performance” 285/35Z tires for both axles.

Of course, the upgrades continue under the hood. Mansory has managed to massage the Mulsanne’s 6.75-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine to produce 585 horsepower at 4,000 rpm compared to the 512 hp the standard car offers. Combined with an obscene 811 lb-ft of torque at 2,300 rpm, the Mansory-tuned Mulsanne will sprint from 0-62 mph in just five seconds. Top speed has also been bumped from 184 mph to 190 mph. For a luxury limo that weighs 2.6 tons, that’s mightily impressive. Having said that, Bentley’s own Mulsanne Speed can achieve the same top speed and sprint to 62 mph point one of a second faster.

A marginal difference, granted, but you would expect an aftermarket tuned car to surpass anything the original manufacturer can offer. No photos of the interior options have been supplied, but Mansory says that customers can customize the cabin with a bespoke mix of brushed aluminum, bare carbon fiber, and burled or high-gloss piano surfaces. These details can be ordered in any color to “perfectly complement the leather on the dashboard and seats.”

Italian Coachbuilder Wants $500,000 To Turn Bentley Mulsanne Into Stunning Coupe

Ares Design has built a work of art.

It's been seven years since Bentley stopped building the Brooklands, a two-door luxury coupe based on the Bentley Azure convertible, itself based on the Arnage sedan. Few people remember the Brooklands, as Bentley built just 550 units in four years. Bentley has never built a coupe version of its current large sedan, the Mulsanne, so a few aftermarket companies have had to take up the slack.

Bentley has built a convertible version of the Mulsanne for 19 lucky customers, so technically a coupe wouldn't be completely off the table. In the meantime, Italian coachbuilder called Ares Design has just shown off its take on a Mulsanne Coupe at the Monterey Car Week with an US-bound model built for a private client.

Right away, we are blown away by the craftsmanship shown here - the Mulsanne Coupe really looks like something that would roll off the factory floor at Bentley. This private customer opted for an elegant two-tone paint job, which is unquestionably eye-catching. Ares Design says that the car will be "built in extremely limited numbers for customers who appreciate Bentley style but would like a bespoke handcrafted creation." In other words, you can't afford it so keep dreaming.

Transforming a Bentley sedan into a coupe isn't easy and it certainly isn't cheap. To perform the conversion, Ares performed a full three-dimensional scan of the four-door Mulsanne and used the data to complete the necessary CAD work. The company then had to create new aluminum rear quarter panels, extended front doors made of carbon fiber, and bespoke windows with custom chrome surrounds. On the interior, the trim has been meticulously crafted so it looks like it comes straight from Bentley.

With all of these custom touches, the Ares Design Mulsanne Coupe does more than just chop off two doors. The extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber shaves 992 pounds from the overall weight and a new ECU allows the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 to produce more than 591 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Of course, all of this work doesn't come cheap. Ares says the conversion takes around three to four months and starts around $460,000 (not including the cost of the Muslanne itself). It may not be cheap, but boy do we want it.

Rearview Camera Recall Will Displease Bentley Mulsanne Owners

How bothersome.

Though it doesn't happen often, exotic car manufacturers aren't exempt from recalls. As they work in extremely low production numbers, recalls are often hilariously small - like when Rolls-Royce recalled a single Ghost for a faulty airbag.

A few years ago, Bentley was forced to recall 88 examples of its Bentayga SUV for loose joints in the instrument panel and seats, and now it is the Mulsanne's turn for a recall. Just ten 2018 Mulsanne models are affected by a rearview camera glitch and owners are now being notified.

The issue occurs when the driver selects reverse gear. The backup camera is supposed to initiate in less than two seconds, but the display may be obstructed and not fully visible. Like other Bentley models, the Mulsanne features a wood cover that is motorized to reveal the infotainment display. Bentley hasn't specified if this cover has anything to do with the issue, but the fix is a simple software update via an SD card that should eliminate the issue.

It may not be a major problem, but we'd want all the help we could get when reversing in a $300,000 car, especially one as large as the Mulsanne.

Maserati also had an issue with its rearview cameras, although it was caused by failing camera modules in cold weather. We have also experienced a similar issue in modern Volvo models, which can take a minute for the infotainment system to warm up fully when the car is started. Having the rearview camera system turn on almost simultaneously when the car is put into reverse should be an easy accomplishment on a $30,000 car, let alone a $300,000 one. Still, it seems like some automakers haven't mastered it.

2018 Bentley Mulsanne Speed Review

Bentley’s are pretty exclusive on the whole – but within the Bentley family there are some models more exclusive than others. At the top of that pile, the Bentley Mulsanne offers bespoke hand-crafted luxury like no other. But for those who want a little more exclusivity, a little less chrome, and a little more power, the Bentley Mulsanne Speed is the most rapid, most exclusive 6,000 pound luxury tank available. Based on the standard wheelbase Mulsanne, the Speed gets an extra 25 horsepower and 60 lb-ft of torque; extra exterior styling cues, and the Mulliner Driving Specification interior – an exclusive model for exclusive clientele.

An interior of opulence is what greets occupants of the Mulsanne Speed. The layout is simple, traditional, but classy and with modern styling cues subtly injected where it counts to ensure the Mulsanne Speed remains a classic rather than outdated. The Mulsanne Speed gets an exclusive interior dual-tone color specification and embroidered Bentley emblems into the headrests. It also features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard, which incorporates diamond quilted seats, a knurled gear lever, organ stop controls, and drilled alloy sport pedals. A choice of five available wood veneers adorns the majority of the dash and door panels, with the central feature of the dash being an 8-inch high resolution infotainment system touch screen – smaller than what competitors offer, but a system that works fluidly and with great precision. The Mulsanne Speed houses a 4+1 seating configuration, best occupied by four occupants in immense comfort.

Despite the Speed nameplate, velocity is something hardly felt although very easily achieved. There may be extra power and torque, but the air springs and adaptive dampers deliver only the cushiest of rides. But at 6,000 pounds, the Mulsanne Speed is a hefty monster of a sedan. Sport mode firms up the adaptive suspension and tweaks the hydraulic steering for additional weight – it’s a change that makes the Mulsanne Speed a sportier drive, but one that fails to compromise the ride quality. Hitting even large bumps and potholes feels like cruising over little more than a dimple – barely perceptible to all but the driver. However, it doesn’t matter how adaptive the suspension is, a 6,000-lb luxury sedan will always ride like a boat, with body lean aplenty and the winged B upon the hood rising and falling under braking and acceleration.

The engine of the Mulsanne Speed finds its roots in the 1950’s – a 6.75-liter V8 that has been subtly upgraded throughout the decades that now features two turbochargers and cylinder deactivation. The Speed denomination increases power over the standard model by 35 hp and 60 lb-ft to 530 hp and 811 lb-ft – enough to twist the tires separately from their wheels despite the low rev ceiling of just 4500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with 0-60 mph taking 0.3 seconds less than a standard Mulsanne.

The standard Mulsanne is generously equipped, with the Speed largely mirroring the standard specification. Standard items include a Mulsanne audio system with 14 speakers and two subwoofers. Available options include front and outboard rear heated, ventilated and massaging seat function, Bentley Theater rear seats entertainment, and a rear refrigerated bottle cooler. Lambswool rugs atop the standard floor mats add a further touch of class. Available safety technologies include corner-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the standard raft of ABS with EBD, and a full suite of airbags. The Mulsanne has not been crash tested by American authorities.

While the tweaked styling adds a layer of sophisticated sportiness to the Mulsanne, the Speed specification’s additional power and torque are hardly felt. In a vehicle intended for a chauffeur-driven experience, the Speed offers little a standard model doesn’t. But, exclusivity is a persuasive tool – Bentley knows that.

2018 Bentley Mulsanne Review

When you have cars that combine performance and luxury there are many that come to mind, but some need to have the word ‘opulence’ added to the description. The Bentley Mulsanne is one such car. With a little over 500 horsepower on tap the car has more than enough to fill the performance quota, but saloons like this are more about comfort and luxury. Most who will buy a car like this will hardly drive it themselves; they’ll be driven in it while running an empire on the move – and if you have to ask how much one costs, you probably can’t afford one.

Interior

The Bentley Mulsanne is all about space, evident when you look at the overall size of the car and see that it’s rates as having space for just four people (a fifth spot can be had if absolutely necessary). Trim and finishes are quite literally the best that money can buy, and the available combinations are almost endless with a choice of 24 colors for the leather alone, and the veneer can be had in Burr Walnut, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Piano Black. Options include things like veneered iPad picnic tables, lamb’s wool rugs and ventilated front and rear seats with a massage function. The detail is so fine that you can specify the colors for the embroidery, stitching, cross-stitching and piping. If you feel the need, you can have a refrigerated bottle cooler with a choice of bespoke tumblers or champagne flutes for when you need to toast that corporate takeover.

Driving

Driving the Bentley Mulsanne is the motoring equivalent to floating on air completely oblivious to what’s happening in the outside world. When the chauffeur is taking personal time, the Mulsanne becomes a driver’s car. The stiffness of the chassis and the responsiveness and feedback from the hydraulically assisted power steering are akin to a smaller, lighter performance sedan, you’ll find that you can actually point and squirt and the massive car does what you want it to do. Throttle response is linear, apply slowly and the power rolls on or stamp it fast and the rear lets you know it wants to come past you, but it’s all too refined to actually try go sideways, gentlemen don’t do that. The torque from the V8 comes in quite low and the transmission so there’s never any reason to rev hard to get anywhere, and the payoff is that the passengers hardly know the engine is actually working so the ride is silky-smooth.

Performance

When a car is as luxurious as the Bentley Mulsanne you’d be forgiven for thinking that performance would be muted and toned down, firstly because the car is made to shuttle captains of industry around at a smooth and comfortable pace so that the Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey doesn’t spill on the lamb’s wool rugs. The Bentley Mulsanne is equipped with a rather large 6.8-liter V8 that’s assisted along by a pair of turbochargers resulting in 505 hp and a massive 752 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission is perfectly up to the task and affords silent, smooth operation. If a dash of speed is required, the Mulsanne becomes insane, with a 0-60 mph time at just 5.1-seconds and has a top speed of 184 mph.

Equipment & Safety

With opulence being the main focus, available options are mainly about comfort and convenience. You can have things like rear quarter vanity mirrors with veneer surround, black curtains and four exclusive city umbrellas. The Bentley Theatre system features twin 10.4-inch tablets that are electronically deployed from a hidden spot in the front seats and the Naim for Bentley audio package consists of 20 speakers and a 2200-watt digital amplifier. All forms of connectivity are in the Mulsanne including a Wi-Fi hotspot, but adaptive cruise control is oddly an option. Safety includes 6 airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control

Verdict

The Bentley Mulsanne is the car to have when you want to announce to the world that you’ve just made your first ten million dollars. It’s the epitome of luxury and power that can be customized to be completely unique, not that there will be many see on the roads to compare to. It’s a combination of old-school, hand-crafted build quality with the best materials possible while at the same time being filled with enough tech to successfully run a Fortune 500 company on the move.

Bentley Blings Out Mulsanne With Silver And Gold Because Why Not?

If you've ever looked at your Bentley and felt poor, this might be the car for you.

There are two types of wealthy people, those that realize that money is no indication of actual value as a person and the ones that bank their entire sense of self-worth on the number of commas in their bank account. For those that fall into the latter of the two camps, Bentley has just the car for you, a full-size Mulsanne that wields the power of rare metals to add to its dominating presence. The name is a mouthful, Bentley Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner, but it helps add importance.

Not like it needs any help in that department, silver and gold versions of the fifty-model series ensure that entrances rob as much attention as a Hindenburg landing. The Mulliner series is available across the entire model range, meaning both the Mulsanne Speed and Extended Wheelbase models can be had caked in silver or gold with hide lining in the storage compartments, painted veneer with metal inlay, and a matching fine line running the length of the body being colored to compliment the metal of choice. Topping off the package is a silver or gold “Flying B” mascot up at the front to cut the wind with the words “Commissioned” engraved on one side and “By Mulliner” on the other.

The many hides of leather that cloak the interior gain a metallic shade with the front and rear seats using contrasting shades to keep the flashy theme going, as do the 21-inch polished wheels and distinct Mulliner (or an optional Serenity) grille brandishing an aristocratic grin up front. Accenting the two hide colors is silver or gold embroidery, piping, and stitching, which is used to stitch the diamond quilt on the rear seats and door panels. The Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show along with the Bentayga Mulliner, turning the Bentley stand into a convention of multicolored eye-candy for visitors and window shoppers alike.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but if that’s a concern to you then move along to the Toyota booth because this car isn’t meant for you anyway.